Richland County Council meets October 2, 2007
By Mike Cox MWC423@bellsouth.net
Roll call

Chairman Joe McEachern, Vice Chair Val Hutchinson, Joyce Dickerson, Norman Jackson, Damon Jeter, Paul Livingston, Bill Malinowski, Mike Montgomery, Greg Pearce, Bernice Scott, and Kit Smith were present.

Presentations

Judy Car ter, the Richland County Ombudsman, read a declaration making October 1- 5 Customer Service Week. Carter said the county will recognize employees who demonstrate good customer service and establish a culture of customer service for the future.

Rick Luber was introduced by county administrator Milton Pope as the new CEO for the county's visitors and convention organizations. Luber said he wanted to use effective marketing to showcase Richland County.

Pope also introduced Janet Claggett who is the county's IT director. Richland County was recently honored by a national group for their excellent website and innovative use of technology to enhance citizens' interaction with the county.

Regular Business

In a sign of things to come, Mike Montgomer y asked the council to reconsider a zoning change passed in the most recent zoning public hearing. His request was denied by a six to five vote.

County attorney Larry Smith tied a league record for most executive session items in one meeting. There was a TIF update, two employee grievances, a contract, the Farmer's Market update, and three lawsuits. The Homebuilders Association is suing the county. The Northeast Sanitary Landfill is involved in an ongoing lawsuit, and Splash inc., has recently filed suit against Richland County. Splash inc. is a collection of gentlemen's clubs. Smith promised to keep the county abreast of this and all the other issues.

The annual report by the county auditor to inform the council of the millage ordinance turned into a nasty war of words. The council seemed almost hostile toward new auditor Paul Brawley the last time they met. Tonight was much worse.

Brawley had included a provision to return some of the fund balance accumulated over the last several years to the general budget. Several council members expressed concern with doing anything with the fund balance as it serves as an emergency cache of funds should the county have a bad year or two.

It was obvious there was division among the council over Brawley's suggestion and whether it was a sound financial move or playing politics. Chairman McEachern sounded like famous boxing referee Mills Lane as he continually reminded council members and Brawley there were rules of civility involved in public disagreement. In the end Brawley's suggestion was defeated eight to three. The original budget proposal was passed.

The new auditor wasn't even able to complete his riveting presentation of each amount doled out to the respective agencies and how many tax dollars were involved relating to last year.

The Pioneer Bowl was given $25,000, and the animal care bond ordinance achieved first reading approval. A request by the Administrative and Finance Committee to try to tighten up the rules for hospitality tax funding was sent back to committee. Some members were worried their pet charities might not get approved if any rules are changed.

All in all everyone was glad the meeting was finally adjourned.